Security

Terrorism: Experts say Libyans are third force behind al-Qaeda

Dubai, 5 Feb. (AKI) - According to US counter-terrorism experts from West Point's military academy, the Libyan connection inside the terrorist group al-Qaeda is very strong and second only to the Egyptian and Saudi forces.

In consultations with West Point's experts by Arabic language newspaper al-Sharq al-Awsat, the assassination of Abu Layth al-Libi, an al-Qaeda field commander, has not diminished these connections.

After the Egyptian and Saudi terrorist forces which dominate the Jihadist movement. "There has been a recent rise of Libyans inside the al-Qaeda network," explains terrorism expert Vahid Brown.

"Today, Egyptians and Saudis control the military strategies and sources of funding, but there are various signals that point out the increasing influence and usage of Libyans."

In the last few months many propaganda videos have appeared on the Internet showing Libyan militants present among the ranks of the terrorist group.

The number of Libyan militants has reportedly increased on three fronts - Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Libyans are also the second in number and importance, after the Saudis, inside Iraq.